.png)
As the 2024-2025 NBA season approaches, basketball fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling chapter in the league's history. The preseason offers a glimpse of what's to come, revealing new talents, team dynamics, and tactical changes that could shape the upcoming season. While established superstars like Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Stephen Curry continue to dominate the headlines, this year’s preseason has introduced several potential breakout players and teams that could shake up the league’s hierarchy. Let’s dive into the top teams and players to watch for the 2024-2025 NBA season.
Top Teams to Watch
1. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ready for Primetime
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been building something special over the last few seasons, and the 2024-2025 campaign might finally be their time to shine. Led by young star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who solidified his status as an All-NBA talent last year, the Thunder are surrounded by a core of promising players, including the highly anticipated return of Chet Holmgren, the 7-foot unicorn who missed his entire rookie season due to injury.
Holmgren, with his shot-blocking prowess and unique ability to stretch the floor, has looked sharp in preseason action, showcasing his range and defensive instincts. His pairing with the versatile Josh Giddey, a savvy playmaker with size and vision, gives OKC one of the most intriguing young tandems in the league. Add in defensive specialist Lu Dort and new additions from the 2024 draft class, and the Thunder have the tools to make a playoff push, if not more.
2. Orlando Magic: The Young Core Coming Together
The Orlando Magic have quietly assembled a talented young roster that is beginning to garner attention. Last season, Paolo Banchero burst onto the scene, winning Rookie of the Year honors, and this year he looks ready to take another leap. His dynamic scoring and playmaking are complemented by the growing presence of Franz Wagner, a versatile wing who had a stellar summer playing for Germany in the FIBA World Cup.
This preseason, the Magic have shown flashes of brilliance, with Banchero and Wagner leading the charge. The addition of veteran Joe Ingles provides leadership and shooting, which should help balance the roster’s youth. The key for Orlando will be improving consistency and developing the chemistry needed to compete in the tough Eastern Conference. If the Magic can stay healthy and continue to grow, they could challenge for a playoff spot as early as this season.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Poised for a Deeper Playoff Run
After a disappointing playoff exit in the first round last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to break through and become legitimate contenders. With one of the league’s most formidable backcourts, featuring Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, the Cavaliers are loaded with offensive firepower.
However, this season will likely hinge on the continued development of Evan Mobley. The 7-foot defensive dynamo is expected to become the centerpiece of Cleveland's long-term success. This preseason, Mobley has shown improvements in his offensive game, particularly his mid-range shot and post moves. If he can become a more reliable scoring threat alongside the Cavaliers’ potent backcourt, Cleveland has a real shot at making a deep playoff run.
Players Poised for a Breakout
1. Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)
After missing his entire rookie season due to a foot injury, Chet Holmgren is already making waves in the preseason with his exceptional defensive ability and shooting touch. As a 7-footer who can block shots, rebound, and shoot from beyond the arc, Holmgren has the potential to be a game-changer for the Thunder. His preseason performances have already drawn comparisons to players like Kevin Durant for his versatility, while his defensive skill set has been likened to a young Rudy Gobert.
With his unique combination of length, shooting, and mobility, Holmgren could be the final piece in OKC's rise to prominence. If he can stay healthy and adjust to the physicality of the NBA, he could contend for Rookie of the Year honors while helping the Thunder make a serious playoff push.
2. Jalen Green (Houston Rockets)
The Houston Rockets have been in rebuild mode for the past few seasons, but this year, Jalen Green looks ready to take the next step and become a bona fide star. Green, known for his explosive athleticism and scoring ability, averaged 22.1 points per game last season, but his efficiency and decision-making were areas that needed improvement.
Under new head coach Ime Udoka, Green seems more focused and poised to elevate his game. The Rockets have added veterans like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to provide structure and leadership, allowing Green to focus more on his strengths. If he can improve his shot selection and defense, Green has the potential to become one of the league's top shooting guards. This preseason has already showcased his growth in those areas, and with the support around him, he’s poised for a breakout year that could see him push for his first All-Star appearance.
3. Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers)
The Philadelphia 76ers have had a tumultuous offseason, but one bright spot has been the continued development of Tyrese Maxey. Maxey’s speed, scoring ability, and improved playmaking have made him one of the most exciting young guards in the NBA. With the uncertainty surrounding James Harden's future in Philadelphia, Maxey is expected to take on an even larger role in the team’s offense this season.
Maxey’s preseason performances have been electric, and he’s shown flashes of the star potential that could make him a household name in the NBA. If he can maintain his level of play and take over as the second option behind Joel Embiid, Maxey could be in for a breakout year that cements him as one of the premier guards in the league.
4. Jabari Smith Jr. (Houston Rockets)
Another rising star on the Houston Rockets is Jabari Smith Jr., who is poised for a significant leap in his second year. After a solid but inconsistent rookie season, Smith has impressed during the preseason with improved shooting and defensive versatility. His ability to stretch the floor as a 6'10" forward and guard multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for the Rockets’ young core.
Smith's maturity and confidence have been evident, and with the Rockets now blending youth with veteran leadership, he could emerge as one of the most well-rounded players on the team. If he continues to develop his offensive game, Smith could be a dark horse candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award this season.
5. Bennedict Mathurin (Indiana Pacers)
The Indiana Pacers are quietly building a competitive team around young talent, and Bennedict Mathurin is at the heart of that movement. After an impressive rookie season, where he averaged over 16 points per game, Mathurin is expected to take another leap in his sophomore campaign. His preseason performances have shown an improvement in both his shooting efficiency and defensive effort, which are crucial for his development into a two-way star.
With Tyrese Haliburton leading the offense, Mathurin will have ample opportunities to grow into his role as the Pacers’ second scoring option. If he can continue to develop his perimeter shot and expand his offensive repertoire, Mathurin has the potential to be one of the breakout stars of the 2024-2025 season.
What to Expect for the 2024-2025 Season
The upcoming NBA season promises to be full of excitement, with young players and rebuilding teams showing enormous potential. The Thunder, Magic, and Cavaliers are all poised to make noise in their respective conferences, while players like Chet Holmgren, Jalen Green, and Tyrese Maxey are ready to establish themselves as household names.
As the preseason continues, fans will get more glimpses of how these players and teams are evolving. While championship contenders like the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks will likely dominate the headlines, this season may be defined by the breakout performances of emerging stars and the unexpected rise of teams ready to challenge the status quo.
Whether it's Oklahoma City taking a leap forward, Orlando capitalizing on its young core, or Cleveland becoming a legitimate contender, the 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting in recent memory. Keep an eye on these teams and players—they might just steal the spotlight this year.
English (US) ·